Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
49% cheaper
Houston is 49% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $37,895 in Houston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Houston has a housing index of 89 while Santa Barbara sits at 340 (national average = 100). The median home in Houston costs $250,000 compared to $1,200,000 in Santa Barbara, a difference of $950,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Houston versus $3,000 in Santa Barbara.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Houston scores 94 while Santa Barbara scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Houston (96) are lower than Santa Barbara (110).
Median household income in Houston is $52,338 compared to $70,819 in Santa Barbara. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Houston.
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